3 New Species Discovered in Australia

Researchers from James Cook University and National Geographic discovered three new animal species, a cryptic leaf-tail gecko, a colorful skink, and a frog during an expedition to northeastern Australia. The species are described in three papers published in October in the journal Zootaxa.

The Cape Melville Leaf-tailed Gecko

In March, a team led by Conrad Hoskin from James Cook University and photographer Tim Laman of National Geographic and Harvard University explored a remote mountain range on Cape Melville. It was the first time scientists had surveyed the forest that grows among boulders on the summit of the range. Within days the team had identified the two lizards and frog along with several other species that may prove new to science.